Thursday, Apr 06, 2006 at 16:32
Truckster,
I'm still about $5,000.00 out of pocket on what the vehicle cost after it was 100% finished. That's my own fault. The roof rack, solar panels and drawer system had been fitted only about 2 weeks before it was stolen. We just didn't get around to informing the insurance company - you know how these things can get away from ya. We meabt to, but we didn't. So I'll have to cop that as they won't cover these items unless they were declared. Although, their policy is a bit ambiguous on this point and I might purse the roof rack issue.
What they have now told me is that any of the extras that I had fitted by the dealer at time of purchase 2 and a half years ago - caravan braking, cruise control, Kaymar wheel carrier, electronic rust prevention, paint pack protection,
snorkel, etc - they will not pay for as they have no record of them being told about them. Now that vehicle was bought using a Salary Sacrifice deal with my then employer through SMB Novalease. SMB insisted that I insure the lot as they technically still onwed the car.
I distiinctly remember the phone call telling my insurance company about everything had been put on it. Now the insurance company denies that they have ever been informed of these items or the phone call. I definitely told their "quotes people" about these items - why wouldn't I? - and was informed that such things are normal on a vehicle such as this and there's no need to specify them on the policy !!!!
I took that as gospel. Silly me.
However, I've found that successive policies have noted that a "cruise control" was fitted - these words, "cruise control" were typed out twice, repeated, in the little box titled "Non-Standard Acessories and Modifications", which shows a lack of correct data recording. But I ask myself that if they made a note of this item, then why didn't they make a note of everything. I would have no reason whatsoever not to tell them about all the other stuff.
They've changed their tune about the extras now. Instead of offering me $40,000.00 plus $2,000.00 for these extras (as in previous offers) they are now saying that as they have no record of these extras that the $42,000.00 they have now offered does not include the extras!! It's now $42,000.00 for just the car. This is a complete turnaround. Bloody ridiculuous!!
They also told me that if it goes to independent valuation ( bit like trying to find an independent lawyer or doctor, an oxymoron in fact) then I would have no further redress. I would have to accept the value placed on the car by the indepedent valuer. This is incorrect. I have access to the Insurance Ombudsman and Consumer Affairs and you can never in any contract whatsoever, in
Australia, sign away your legal rights. You cannot "contract your way out of the law". So again this issue of "sharp practice" is apparent, if not outright lies, misrepresentation and threats.
I can see "Consumer Affairs" in the distance, followed by the Insurance Ombudsman,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I thought retirement was supposed to be QUIET!!
But my youngest son (29 years old) has me absolutely weighed up. He said to me "Dad, you're enjoying this aren't ya, you get off on challenging the system dontcha?"
Guess what - he's right! I hate mongrels such as these and
Australia is full of 'em right now.
Thanks for your support guys.
Bilbo
AnswerID:
165308
Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Friday, Apr 07, 2006 at 13:46
Friday, Apr 07, 2006 at 13:46
>>> Now the insurance company denies that they have ever been informed of these items or the phone call.
But... >>> "a good claims officer looks for a way to pay the claim under the policy, not decline it"
FollowupID:
420442
Follow Up By: Bilbo - Saturday, Apr 08, 2006 at 03:15
Saturday, Apr 08, 2006 at 03:15
Truckster,
Yeah I saw that written by Zach S above and at first I didn't fully understand it. But it's been on my mind since Zach wrote it. It was the "not decline it" bit that didn't really gel.
But I can see what Zach is getting at. The HAVE to pay out so why not try and pay out as little as possible.
I already knew this, but the way Zach put it did have me thinking fer a while.
I'm now waiting for their latest offering - in writing. That's when the real schit fight will start I reckon.
My V8 Chevy patrol arrived today, so I'm a bit happier. Plus, it puts me in something of a "box seat". I have a good vehicle, I have transport, I can get out bush, etc. So the insurance can wait. I've got time. There's a hole in my bank book sure, but it's a hole that'll be filled on my terms not theirs. I'm not stuck for the money - which is another weapon that they use against ya. But they already know they're wasting their time, as they are aware that I've already bought the Chev Nissan. I have a cover note from 'em.
Thanks, Truckster
Bilbo
FollowupID:
420621